2026 World Cup : CONCACAF Seek Three Nation Bid

As FIFA continue their plans to further expand the number of teams competing at future world cups, CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Moggio believes this presents a great opportunity for the region to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking to ESPN Deportes, Moggio spoke of his ambition to bring the World Cup back to the region, having last hosted the competition in the United States in 1994.

“Obviously, this is a high priority for our region. It is time to have the World Cup back at CONCACAF, considering the last time we had hosting duties was in 1994 in the U.S.”

The planned bid will consist of the hosting being split among the three largest associations in CONCACAF, in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Moggio believes that the expansion to 48 teams will require a developed football market in terms of infrastructure and also commercial opportunities.

“It is a strong region in sporting and economic terms,” adding “There will be a need for more stadiums to be played in. “There aren’t many countries in the world which can say they will have no problems in hosting this kind of competition. This makes co-hosting bids, such as the one in our region and with three countries involved, more feasible.”

Both Mexico (1970 & 1986) and the United States (1994) have previously hosted tournaments, with this being a potential first for Canada whose only previous World Cup experience came in qualifying for the 1986 edition. However, despite considering a three way joint bid, Moggio has ruled out a cross-confederation bid with CONMEBOL, despite the success of the Copa America – Centenario.

Azteca Stadium-Mexico

“The idea of cooperation in tournament organisation is always there and we are in our best disposition to explore different opportunities. However, when it comes to consider merging our Confederations and look for a joint World Cup qualifying pool, I don’t think there’s space for changes.”

Despite the potential logistical and organisation problems that having such an expended tournament may present, Moggio spoke highly of the initiative, speaking of the benefits ti can bring to the regional and global game to give more countries the opportunity to appear on the grand stage of a World Cup, which can provide benefits for these countries into the future.

“We all know the World Cup is a great development tool for football. When a country has the chance of playing the tournament, it helps a great deal in the progress and development of football in that nation.”

Though a decision on hosting for the 2026 World Cup is not due to take place until 2020, CONCACAF’s previous hosting experience, infrastructure and an almost 30 year gap between hosting duties, this potential bid surely makes Moggio’s CONCACAF offer favourite entering the bidding process.